why is there a age limit to join the military?

Question

I am 46 and a former sailor and Marine ,if The military would allow me I would love to reenlist , I admit I am not as physically fit as I was 23 years ago but would give my right arm to be able to serve again, even if they made me a grunt soldier and shipped me off to iraq. Why does our government not allow older and wiser people like myself re-up and serve there country with dignity?

Answer 1

I agree with you, especially when you see some of the geriatrics walking around with stars on their shoulders. About the most PT they've had in recent years is lifting a martini glass. People like you could fill a real position of instructor of one sort or another, and do a bang up job of it. At your age, you have no big azz ego to satisfy and these youngsters going in would develop an instant respect for you.

I believe the military complex could better spend its money by selectively allowing guys like you back in, rather than continue to support over 700 people, in uniform, with the rank of brigadier or above.

Answer 2

I'm sure the thinking is several fold. First of all if someone was to join at the age of 46, they would be retiring at the age of 66. The chance of a 66 year old man or woman being able to physically do some of the things that a younger person does is slim. However, there are 66 year old people in much better shape than many who are young, I know. BUT: if you say: Joe can join at 46, you will have to say Peter, Tim, and Jason can join at 46 as well.
The military would also have a lot more liability on their hands with an older individual than one who is younger. (slower reflexes, more medical costs, etc.).

Answer 3

A number of reasons have been pointed out, so I'll refrain from speculating further.

However, I'd like to note that there are number of private security firms operating in Iraq in various capacities, if one were *really* inclined to research. It's certainly likely they would not place the same sort of restrictions on recruitment as would the USG.

Of course the relaxed standards may also apply to mental competency. (Perhaps a scary thought, given some of the people in the military.) If you don't mind risking your life with a bunch of self-destructive maniacs and trigger-happy mavericks looking to make some self-important heroic gesture, maybe the mercenary life is for you.

Answer 4

In theory, you might be able to.

If your age minus your TAFMS is less than 27, you can go active. If it's less than 34, you can go Guard or Reserve. Active duty waivers to 34 are possible, if very rare.

Actually, the reason is related to retirement eligibility more than anything else. You must separate at age 55 without a waiver from Congress (waiverable for physicians by the services). The military won't bring anyone on board who can't become retirement eligible (20 years service) by their 55th birthday. Rare exceptions are granted to physicians if their specialty is in high demand.

Answer 5

So 12 years old can't get in and if you are over the hill like you said 46. So put on your 100 pounds of gear and run in the hot 130 sun.

Answer 6

Are you speaking decrease age reduce or higher age reduce? If that is decrease, then 17 is the the reduce. (at 17, you ought to truly have a ascertain signal consent) some 17 year olds are extra grown up than many 25 year olds. that is all interior the fellow.

Answer 7

I admire your desire to reinlist. The biggest reason is the desire to enlist younger people who might remain in the military for a long period of time. I understand that your physical fitness level is appropriate for the duty, but a lot of other older people don't have that fitness level. Older people take more time to heal if they are injured, have more pre-existing physical problems, and can't withstand a lot of physical rigors that younger people can. However, if we end up fighting Korea or Iran, you might just get your chance! Keep up your support of our people overseas, that means almost as much to them as if you were sitting beside them.

Answer 8

Back in the 1700 etc
When you signed up to join the army you signed up for LIFE
But when a British serviceman reached 85 he couldnt do much so they decided to have a limit

Answer 9

Well, the age limit relates to your adjusted age. Since the army's age limit is currently 45 (I think), assuming you even only spent one year in the military, you can enlist in the army. You're obviously not getting complete information.

Answer 10

Ya missed it by one year bud. The army cut off is 45. It is so they do not take on people who are more likely to need medical attention. Plus older people are more likely to develop terminal illness and thus incur excessive medical debt on our government. Whew!